Posts Tagged ‘white filings’

tooth whitening cost
September 24, 2019

What is a Smile Makeover?

by admin / Posted in Dental Care
Have you ever wanted to reinvent your smile? Luckily for you, there is such a thing as a smile makeover. Smile Makeovers are all the rage and for good reason. They are a process of improving the appearance of your smile through one or more cosmetic dental procedures, like dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants, and teeth whitening. What’s more is that the approach is holistic with your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth – including the color, width, length, shape, and tooth display – gum tissue and lips. There is a variety of reasons for choosing a smile makeover and each is customized for your needs.

Some Smile Makeover Options

Tooth color

Tooth discoloration, whether it is from silver or amalgam dental fillings, or from stained teeth, can often be corrected and even improved. Tooth color and shading are often among the top considerations during the evaluation and preparation of different procedures, such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, composite bonding, and dental implants. Each of these procedures can be useful for whitening the teeth, but each had different levels of involvement and time required. Dark or discolored teeth can be taken as aged mouth, and a white, well-shaped smile can give your face an immediate youthful appearance. And, special consideration is taken to be sure that the shade of white used is appropriate for your overall appearance and help create a natural appearance.

Tooth Alignment and Spacing

Crooked teeth, or teeth that are overlapping, or ones that have gaps between them can often be straightened. When necessary, the teeth can be aligned with options such as orthodontics or products like Invisalign, and be further improved with veneers.

Fix Missing Teeth

If you have one or more missing teeth, this can negatively affect the appearance of your smile. It can also have an effect on your ability to chew food and increase the risk of tooth decay. Replacement teeth can be an integral part of your oral health and facial aesthetics. Missing teeth can be remedied by dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

A More Aesthetically Pleasing Smile

A smile that has chipped or cracked teeth, or an uneven appearance can be corrected by a cosmetic bonding, and a smile with a lot of cum can be shaped to help improve the overall look of the smile. Your face can be rejuvenated by cosmetic dentistry procedures that can reshape your whole face. A cosmetic dentist will help you create a treatment plan that is designed to achieve the exact results that you want from your smile makeover. The treatment plan may include both cosmetic and restorative procedures. These could include teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, dental crowns, orthodontics like braces, oral maxillofacial surgery, and even gummy smile reduction.

What Things Are Considered in a Smile Makeover?

When creating a treatment plan for a smile makeover you will have a lot of things to consider when working with your dentist to help create your perfect smile. Here are some options that you might consider:
  • Tooth Length: Short teeth or a gummy smile can make your teeth look shorter, and this can significantly age you. Long teeth help to lend a more youthful appearance. This can also change the overall appearance of your face. Long, square teeth on a person with a round-faced individual can often create a very slimming effect. Some procedures that can be used to create this effect include: reshaping and lengthening the two front central teeth with cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers.
  • Improving the Smile Line: The smile line is the name for an imaginary line that follows the edges of your upper teeth from one side to the other. Ideally, the line runs parallel to the curve of your lower lip when you smile. This is a standard point of reference when you want to determine how long your teeth should be.
  • Keeping your Teeth in Proportions: One of the first things that your dentist will determine is if your teeth are in proportion. Generally, an aesthetically pleasing smile is one that has the two front teeth as the dominant ones and width to length ratio of 4 to 5. This proportion is the guide by which your dentist will keep your smile in balance.
  • Tooth Texture and Characterization: The veneers and crowns can be customized to create a look that matches the look and feel of a natural tooth.

Keeping Your Smile Shining with a Smile Makeover

You will still require regular oral care and will require maintenance in order to keep your smile glowing over time. Teeth whitening will sometimes need to be repeated to maintain brightness. Veneers may chip and require replacement. If you are serious about getting your perfect smile, you will also follow a regular oral health routine, including brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Any oral health problems – such as gum disease, or a misaligned bite – will need to be taken care of before cosmetic treatments are applied. If you are interested in getting your own smile makeover, and you live in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, give Golden Smiles Dental a call at (909) 481-8990.
teeth whitening
September 14, 2019

How much does Teeth Whitening cost?

by admin / Posted in Dental Care
The decision to get teeth whitening done is one that demands the question: How much does teeth whitening cost? The answer, like many things, depends on which method of teeth whitening you choose. There are a variety of options that can be very inexpensive to tens of thousands of dollars. In-office treatments, such as laser treatments can be among the most expensive options, but something simple as adding whitening strips to your daily routine can be a convenient and less expensive way to get dramatic results in a short time frame. In this article, we will compare the most common treatments, including how much they cost

Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening generally starts at $500 and can increase in price to an upwards of $1000 or more. The procedure is done in the dentist’s office and is often more expensive than at-home teeth whitening treatments. This kind of treatment generally takes about an hour and will provide the fastest and most dramatic results. Be careful! Most treatments will still require that you return for regular maintenance treatments.

Teeth Whitening Strips

These fantastic strips are significantly cheaper and can cost up to $70. Many of these products contain similar ingredients to the products that are in use by dentists int heir office and are just as capable in removing stains from below the enamel surface.

Bleaching Trays and Gels

Bleaching Trays and Gels offer a middle path between teeth whitening strips and laser treatment. This does require that you visit the dentist so that they can make a mold of your teeth (called a tray) and you will then fill it with bleaching gel at home. The trays can dramatically whiten teeth but may present an inconvenience to people’s daily lifestyle. The trays need to be removed to eat and drink and are often required to be worn overnight. The cost of the trays varies greatly depending on the quality of the gel and how custom made the tray is to your teeth. The cost of replacements should be factored in as well. Generally, trays cost around $300.

Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash

The cheapest option, costing between $3.25 to $7 per tube, whitening toothpaste and mouthwash allow for easy and regular teeth whitening without breaking the bank. It is important to choose a product that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Just remember to be consistent with these products if you want to see long-lasting results.

What are the benefits of teeth whitening?

There have been many studies that demonstrate that whiter teeth have a dramatic impact on people’s personal and professional life, but the cost of teeth whitening is a major concern for people. In a 2007 study, researches at Loyola Marymount University found that people with whiter teeth were perceived as others as more attractive and they got longer interviews and higher salary offers when compared to when before their teeth were whitened. This study suggests that the effort and cost of teeth whitening are well worth it. A bright, clean smile can give you the confidence you need to improve your chances of doing well at your job, or attracting the perfect made. If you are interested in improving your smile contact Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA at (909) 481-8990 to arrange an appointment today.
October 14, 2018

Why should I get a composite filling instead of an amalgam filling?

by admin / Posted in Dental Care, General Dentistry
When you need to get a cavity filled, your doctor may present you with a number of options. It can be confusing and intimidating to have to choose between the two or more different types of fillings that can be used. In this article we will discuss two of the most common types of fillings, a composite filling and an amalgam filling.

What is the difference between the two?

An amalgam is a kind of filling material that has been used for more than 150 years. It is a mixture of metals: liquid mercury, and a powdered allow composted of silver, tin, and copper. The mercury is used to bind together the other metals to form the amalgam. About fifty percent of the amalgam is mercury by weight. A composite filling is a resin made from plastic and glass. The resin is tooth-colored and is used to help restore small to medium sized cavities or decay in teeth. The fillings are able to withstand the pressure and constant stress of chewing. They can be used on the front or back teeth, and, for people who prefer their fillings to look more natural, they are an excellent choice.

How are the fillings applied?

For the amalgam, the dentist will mix the powdered alloy with the liquid mercury to form the amalgam putty, after the tooth has been drilled to remove any decay. The softened putty is then placed and shaped in the cavity to where it rapidly hardens to form a filling. A composite filling is placed after drilling the decayed part of the tooth, then thoroughly cleaning the tooth, before finally drying the area to be filled. The composite is then placed in successive layers and hardened using a special light. The process continues in this way until the cavity is filled. Finally, the composite is polished to help prevent staining and early wear. The composite will then bond with the remaining structure of the tooth. This helps to prevent further breaking, and to also insulate the teeth from excessive temperature changes. Because composites preserve your natural smile, they have a clear advantage over amalgam fillings. The process can often be done in a single visit. Your dentist can even match the shade of your natural tooth by blending the composites. If the patient fears excessive staining, then a  clear plastic coating can be applied. Composites do tend to wear out sooner in large cavities, but they hold up just as well in small cavities. The amalgam does offer a strong and long-lasting filling that is less likely to break, and is also the least expensive type of filling material. But, it does carry with it some risks: The elemental mercury present in over 50% of the amalgam filling may release low levels of mercury vapor that can be inhaled. Mercury can accumulate in the body, causing damage to the brain and kidneys. According to the FDA website: “High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys”. Dental amalgam fillings are generally considered safe for adults and children older than 6, as the amount of mercury vapor accumulated is not enough to damage vital organs. There are some disadvantages to composite fillings. They tend to cost more and may not be covered by all insurances, so be sure to check with your provider. However, as composites improve, more insurance companies may  increase their coverage of composites.

What makes composite fillings a better choice

Your smile is your signature, and many people want to preserve the signature they were born with, or have spent hundreds of dollars on perfecting. Don’t let a single cavity undo all that work! Composite fillings offer two big advantages over amalgam fillings: you get to retain your natural smile, and they do not contain any elemental mercury. Composite fillings are a fantastic choice for keeping your smile looking natural and healthy. While the mercury present in amalgam fillings might not be harmful, you may still be allergic to any of the other metals present in the filling. Also, the effects of the mercury vapor on fetus development and children breastfeeding has not been adequately researched for there to be enough data to make an informed recommendation.

The secret best option

Even those of us who keep up with their regular oral hygiene routine may develop a cavity. That is why it is important to maintain a regular oral health routine to help ensure your teeth remain strong and healthy throughout your lifetime. Here are some of the best practices to maintain your oral health:
  • Brush twice a day, or more if eating sweet or sticky foods.
  • Brush with short, even strokes, being sure to reach every tooth surface. Don’t push hard when brushing, your teeth don’t need to be handled roughly.
  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste to help rebuild your tooth enamel. Check the label before purchasing a toothpaste to make sure that it is fluoridated. Fluoride helps rebuild the enamel of your teeth, repairing small cracks and decay!
  • Floss at least once a day to help remove plaque build up from between the teeth.
  • Avoid damaging foods, like sugary drinks, or hard candy.
  • Avoid habits that help destroy your teeth, like smoking.
  • Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups at least once every six months.
Follow these simple rules and you can be sure to preserve your smile for your entire life. Always be sure to consult your dentist when you are unsure about what steps to take to improve your oral health. Even if you have not taken care of your oral health in the past, each day you do adds up overtime. Oral health is a long-term project. When considering what type of filling to get from your dentist, consider the information presented in this article and talk with your dentist. They may have a recommendation that can make the decision making process easier.